Face-lifted Nissan Micra launched at Rs 4.79 lakh

Refreshed Micra sheds its soft baby look for a more contemporary front styling with new angular headlamps, better all-round interiors and will offer buyers the option of a CVT gearbox. Spruced up previous generation Micra petrol model will continue selling as the Active XE variant for Rs 3.50 lakh

Back in 2010, the Micra was quite simply one of the most gadget heavy hatches to ever hit Indian roads, and Nissan did not shy away from trumpeting the truth. In doing so, Nissan has sold over 43,000 units of the Micra since its launch three years ago, and Nissan India President Kenichiro Yomura now aims to sell 2,500 units of the Micra per month.

With the launch of its face-lifted Micra model, Nissan has given its premium small car a new lease of life and the changes are for all to see. For starters, the 2013 model now comes with an optional XTronic ‎CVT gearbox which would return a claimed mileage of 19.34kmpl. A driver airbag is now standard across all Nissan Micra variants. While the driver airbag is standard, dual airbags will be available only in top of the line variant.

It’s quite evident that this is a facelift when you look at the new angular headlamps, a wider front grille with chrome inserts, new front bumper and other subtle cosmetic add ons. New LED tail lights and a new set of alloy wheels (available on higher-end trims) complete the revised exterior styling. The interiors of the refreshed Nissan Micra have been spruced up with brighter fabrics and plastics and a piano black panel on the centre console that houses the restyled air vents and a 2-din stereo.

Nothing new under the bonnet as the new Micra will continue to be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine developing 75PS of power and 104Nm of torque, while the 1.5-litre diesel motor churns out 65PS of power and 160Nm of torque.

Nissan will continue selling its previous generation Micra as an entry-level Active variant, which is lighter than the 2013 model, and hence offers better economy. It will carry ABS and EBD systems for higher safety, sporty bumpers and will be available only with a petrol engine. Micra Active owners will also have more than 25 accessories to choose from.

Starting from a price of Rs 3.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the base petrol Active XE variant, the new Micra is offered in 11 variants including 4 diesel trims. So basically, Nissan has tried to ensure that there's a variant that fits everyone’s budget.